Heating and cleaning fluid system



June24, 1941. I H; M, NOBIS v 2,246,691 HEATING AND CLEANING FLUID SYSTEM Filed March 24, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet 1 IN VENTOR.

ATTORNEY.

June 24, 1941. H. M. Moms HEATING AND CLEANING FLUID SYSTEM Filed March 24, 1938 2 Sheets-Sheet 2 v INVENTOR. Harry Nob/.5

1L1 LIL-l LlLll ATTORNEY.

Patented June 24, 1941 iJl'iED STATES PATENT OFFICE Harry M. Nobis, East Cleveland, Ohio, assignor to Mary Jane Nobis, Cleveland, Ohio Application March 24, 1938, Serial No. 197,872

29 Claims.

My invention relates in general to fluid systems and more particularly to heatingand cleaning fluid systems. i

An object of my invention is the provision of a heat exchange system having a continuous liquid circuit including a heat. generating device and a heat exchange device, in which the supply conduit leadingfrom the heat generating device to the heat exchange device makes communication with the heat generating device at its lowermost level where the sediment particles of the liquid are most apt to collect.

Another object of my invention is the provision of tapping the heat generating device at its lowermost level Where sediment particles are most apt to collect, so as to enable the particles which may collect near the bottom of the heat generating device to be carried by the liquid to a sediment collecting device and there eliminated from the circulatory system of the continuous liquid circuit of the heat exchange system.

Another object of my invention is the provision of removing the air bubbles from the water of the heat exchange system so as to reduce corrosion.

Another object of my invention is the provision of tapping the heat generating device at.

one or more levels between the bottom of the heat generating device and the liquid level thereof, so as to take advantage of the various temperature conditions prevailing in the heat generating device.

Another object of my invention is the provision of a heat exchange system having a continuous liquid circuit including a heat generating device, aheat exchange device and a sediment collecting device, in which the supply conduit leading from the heat generating device has a plurality 10f communicatingconnections, the lowermost communicating connection being located near the bottom of the heat generating device where the sediment particles are most apt to collect so as to enable the particles which may collect near the bottom of the heat generating device to be carried by the liquid to the sediment collecting device and there eliminated from the circulatory system of the continuous liquid circuit, the upper communicating connections being arranged at higher levels where the water temperature is higher, so as to compensate for the cooler liquid which flows through the bottom communicating connection.

Another object of my invention is the provision of tapping the heat generating device at its lowermost level to enable the particles which are most apt to collect at the bottom of the heat generating device to be carried by the liquid to a sediment collecting device and there eliminated from the circulatory system and-of tapping the heat generatingdevice at a higher level where the liquid temperature is higher to compensate for the cooler liquid which flows from the lowermost connection, with the result that the combined mixed temperature of the liquids which leave the heat generating device is suflicient to heat the city water which passes through the heat exchange device to such temperatures suitable for domestic and other uses.

Another object of my invention is to join the plurality of communicating connections which lead from the heat generating device to-a common pipe, which in turn leads to a heat exchange device that heats the city water flowing therethrough to suitable temperatures for domestic and other uses.

Another object of my invention is to provide, in the supply conduit leading from the heat generating device, an enlarged area for the purpose of slowing down the flow of the liquid and thereby permitting the sediment particles in the liquid to settle.

Another object of my invention is the provision of allowing air bubbles, which may be jacketed to the sediment particles, to be liberated as the particles settle, with the result that corrosion is reduced.

Another object of my invention is the provision of a sediment collecting device associated with the heat exchange device, in which the sediment collecting device has an enlarged downward extension to provide a non-circulatory space for the particles to settle, and has an enlarged upward extension through which the fluid passes as it flows to the heat exchange device.

Another object of my invention is the provision of suction means in communication with the non-circulatory space of the sediment collecting device to draw the sediment therefrom.

Another object of my invention is the provision of regulating the mixed temperature of the fluid leaving the heat generating device, so as to govern the temperature of the hot water delivered by the heat exchange device.

Another object of my invention is the provision of having in the return conduit leading from the heat exchange device to the heat generating device, a portion at a lower level than where the communication connection is made with the heat generating device.

Another object of my invention is the pro the heat exchange device to drain into the "heat generating device and replenishsame.

Another object of my invention is the provi- 1 sion of a liquid storage reservoir connected in.

communication With the continuous liquid circuit, so that when the reduced liquid. pressure in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid.

circuit and the reservoir is destroyed, the liquid in the storage reservoir drains into theheat generating; device and replenishes the liquid in the generating device above the dangerlevel.

Another object of myin-vention is the pro-vision of lifting a liquid, column in the liquid supply conduitand the liquid return conduit to the uppermost part of the continuous. liquid circuit by producing the establishment of a liquid pressure in the uppermost part. of the continuous liquid circuit at a value lower than the liquid pressure prevailing in the heat generating. device and sealing the uppermost. part of the continuous liquid circuit and thereby holding the liquid in the uppermost part of the continuous circuit at a liquid pressure under that which prevails in the heat generating device.

Another object of, my invention is the provision of introducing the heated liquid from the heat generating. device into the heat exchange device at a place where the cold'city water enters.

the heat exchange device to prevent the heated liquid from the heat generating. device from flashing into steam in the presence of a reduced liquid pressure.

Another object of my invention is to. provide for regulating the temperature of Diesel or other engines and for utilizing the heat of the cooling fluidfor heat exchange purposes.

Other objects and a fuller understanding of my invention may be had by referring to the following description and claims, taken in con junction with the accompanying drawings, in which- Figure 1 designates a diagrammatical illustration of a heat exchange system embodying the features of my invention;

Figure 2 is a fragmentary view of a modified arrangement of my heat exchange system shown in Figure 1;

Figure 3 is a further modified arrangement of my heat exchange system;

Figure 4 is a fragmentary view of a modified arrangement of my heat exchange system shown in Figure 3; and

Figure 5 is a heat exchange system incorporated in conjunction with a water jacket of a Diesel or other engine.

With reference to Figure 1 of the, drawings, my heat exchange system comprises a heat generating device It], a heat exchange device H, a sediment collecting device 40, and supply and return conduits i2 and [3, respectively. heat generating device l0. may be in the form of a conventional boiler as utilized for heating purposes. The heat exchange device H, as ii- The.

lustrated in Figure 1, is in the form of a hot water heater and is arranged to heat the city or tap water to a temperature in the neighborhood of 140 degrees or other temperature to make it usable for domestic and other purposes. The heat exchange device ll may comprise a. shell I l having a header l5 provided with a dividing partition [6 and a plurality of coil pipes I? through which. the city or tap water flows as it is heated by the hot water which comes from the heat generating device and circulates around the coil pipes H.

The city or supply water is arranged to .be connected, to the. pipe 20 and upon the opening of, the valve I9, the city water is caused to. flow into the lower partition compartment of the header I5 through the coil pipes l1 into the upper, partition compartment of the header l5, and thence out through the pipe l8 which is connected to a hot water pipe system where the hot water may be used for domestic and other purposes. The-heat generating device it] may be filled from the supply city water line 20 through-pipes 28v and 3] upon the opening of a valve 32. The heat generating device; [0- may be filledwith, city water to, its; normal level indicated; by; the reference charafifier 34'.

In order to. maintain the heat exchange device ll, surrounding the coil pipes l1 and the conduits filled, with; liquid from the heat generating device I05. I provide; for P oducing the establishment of; a liquid pressure inthe uppermost part of the heat exchange device at a value lower thanthe liquid pressure prevailing in the heat enerating device to; which may be in the neighborhood. of: atmospheric pressure. The production of, the establishment of the said re uced liquid pressure. may be accomplished by ilizin a.. it-a. je vacuum source, and'as illustratedinEigure 1, Iemploy an ejector 25 which is connected. in communicationwith the uppermost part of; the heat exchange device II by means ofyapipe 216; andcont-rolled by a valve 21.. The ejector 25. isset. in operation by opening a valve 29 which permits the city or tap, water to flow therethrough, into a drain, pipe 30; and produce, a suction action. The. suction created by the ejector 2.5..- first produces. a. rarification of the air inthe. heat. exchange device H, and this action continues. untilpthe water from the heat generating; device l-llis lifted through both the supply and return conduits I2. and I3 and fills theshell of'fthe heat-exchange device! I. When the heat exchange device. is completely filled with liquid; the valve Z'I'may be closed, after which time the. liquid is maintained. in the heat exchange device llv and the. conduits l2 and [3 at a liquid pressureunder that which prevails in the heat generating device. Inother words, the water is maintained orv supported in the heat exchange device and the conduits by an establishmentof a reduced-liquidpressure in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit, under that which prevails upon the liquid in the boiler which. is in the neighborhood of atmosphen'c pressure.

As the water in the heat generating device I0 is heated, it flows in. acirculatorymanner through the. supply conduit IE. to; the shell M. of the heat exchange device where itsurrounds the coil pipes lTfor heating the. city on tap water. As the water in the shell [4 cools, it then returns through the return conduit. l3..to, the-opposite side of the heat: generating device at.a place. near the bottom thereof; A U-shaped portion 33. is, provided thepipe 36.

at the'lower end of the return conduit l3 so as to prevent the heated water the heat generating device or boiler from rising to the. heat exchange device through theretu'rn conduit [3.

The heated water from the boiler is arranged to leave the boiler througha plurality of elevated communicating connections or pipes 36, 31

and 38. The liquid leaving the boiler through the lowermost pipe 36 is arranged to flow through the sediment collecting device 40 andfrom thence :into the common supply pipe H which leads to the heat exchange device. The pipe 36 communicates with the lowermost portion of the boiler where the sediment particles are most apt to collect, so as to enable the particles which may collect near the bottom of the boiler to be carried by the liquid to the sediment collecting device and there eliminated from the circulatory system of the continuous liquid circuit. The water upon entering the sediment collecting device 40 first enters an enlarged portion 41 which slows down'the flow of the liquid and permits the particles to settle to the lower portion of the easing, of the sediment collecting device. The water upon leaving the sediment collecting device flows through an enlarged portion 42 to'th'e common supply pipe l2. The exit portion 42is at ahigher level than the entrance portion 4|, so as to'make the liquid flow upwardly in the sediment collecting device and encourage the particles to settle. The water upon entering the sediment collecting device 40 encounters a baffle plate 43, which causes the particles in the slowly moving water to settle to the lowermost portion of the vertical casing of the sediment collecting device 40. The

particles which float in the liquid are carried by air bubbles jacketed thereto, and when the particles settle tothe lowermost portion of the sedi- Jnent collecting device, the air bubbles which were formerly jacketed thereto are liberated to the uppermost part of the sediment collecting device 40 and there allowed to escape through a ,pipe 41 to the space in the boiler abovethe liquid level 34 thereof. 1

The water which leaves the boiler through the pipe 36, inasmuch as it is connected to the lowermost portion of the boiler, is relatively cold, and for this reason the temperature maybe insufficient to heat the city or tap water in the pipes H to sufficient suitable temperature. In order to insure adequate heating, I provide for taking the liquid from the boiler at elevational points through the pipes 31 and 38, which are'connected to the common supply pipe l2. For winter time conditions, the temperature of'the liquid in the boiler may be substantially 220 degrees at the upper level thereof, 210 degrees in the .region of the pipe 38, 190 degrees in the region of the pipe 31, and 180 degrees in the region of Therefore, the water which flows out of the pipes 36, 31 and 38 bears a mixed temperature which is the combination of 180 degrees, 190 degrees and 210 degrees. The mixed temperature may in some cases cause the city or tap water to be heated too hot in the heat exchange/device. Therefore, I- haveprovided a thermostat 48 upon the hot water pipe 18, so'as to govern a regulation valve 39in the pipe 38 to reduce the temperature of the water flowing to the heat exchange device from the boiler.

Therefore, when the hot water flowing in the pipe [8 is too hot, the thermostat 43 operates a chain 49 and throttles or closes the valve 39.

Should the valve 39 be completely-closed; the 'water leaving the boiler through-thepipesfl and '31 is a mixed temperature of and degrees. The combination of these two cooler temperatures reduces the heating of the heating device and accordingly the temperature of the hot water flowing in the pipe l8. Therefore, by automatically regulating the valve 39, the temperature of the hot water may be maintained in the neighborhood of 140 degrees, which is found to be suitable for hot water purposes.

.When my system is first set in operation, it may require the re-establishment of the reduced liqui'dpressure in the uppermost part of the heat exchange device about every few days or so. This is ,done by operating the ejector 25 for a relatively short period of time upon the days required. As the system is operated, the interval between" the re-establishment of the reduced liquid pressure by operating the ejector 25 gradually lengthens. This results from the fact that the sediment particles and the air bubbles jacketed thereto are gradually being eliminated from the circulatory system. The operation of the system for three or four weeks substantially eliminates all of the particles, and there are very few air bubbles left in the system jacketed to theparticles. With the elimination of the sediment and the air bubbles, the system may be operated for a month or more without re-establishing the reduced liquid pressure by operating the ejector 25. In other words, by eliminating the air bubbles which are jacketed to the sediment particles, I-amable to operate my system for a long period of time without the re-establishment of the reduced liquid pressure in the heat exchange device.

, As the sediment particles collect in the lowermost part of the sediment collecting device 40, they may be cleaned out by opening a valve 45 and allowing them to flow out of the discharge pipe 44 into a suitable pail, or drain as illustrated. In the event that the sediment clogs in the discharge pipe, a plug 46 may be removed and .the operator may then take a piece of wire or other special device and poke the sediment particles and break them loose and allow them to flow down the discharge pipe into the pail. In my system, inasmuch as I eliminate substantially all of the air from the circulatory continuous liquid circuit, I also thereby eliminate the oxygen present in the air bubbles which were formerly jacketed to the sediment particles, and in consequence a great deal of the corrosion which would otherwise take place, is greatly reduced.

The supply conduit l2 communicates with the shell l4 of the hot water heater H ata place in the region where the cool city or tap water enters the coil; pipes l1, so as to prevent the hot water flowing from the boiler from flashing into steam as it enters the hot Water heater. The hot water flowing from the supply pipe l2 into the shell .of the hot Water heater may be in the neighborhood of 200 degrees and thus would tend to manifest a boiling action in the presence of the reduced liquid pressure prevailing in the shell of the. hot water heater. However, just as soon as the hot water strikes the relatively cool coil pipes I], the temperature thereof is immediately cooled below the point where a boiling action is manirested.

The boiler I'll may be utilized for heating a system of radiators, one of which may be illustrated by the reference character 53 fed by a steam pipe 52.* The arrangement of the heating of the radiators. may be in accordance with the usual practice employing a radiator trap toirelease' air and condensate and to prevent steam escaping. In some large. buildings, wherethere are-:alarge number .of radiators, difliculty may-be experienced in causing the steam'to'flow'equallytoall the radiators and in these installations, .a vacuum-source, such as "indicated by the vacuum pump 55, may be .connected in communication with the radiators by meansxo'fa pipe" 54.which causes the steam to flow equally to theradiators. In systems where a vacuum pump is .available, it may :be utilized as .a source forestablishing .a reduced liquid pressure in .the'heat exchange device, instead of an injector. Therefore, in Figure .1, the heat exchange device is connectedin communication .with the suction side .of the-vacuum pump by means of a pipe :58 and-54 controlled by va valve 51,.and the exhaust side of the pump 55 may be connected to'the pipe I3 through means of a liquid trap 59 and a check :valve 56. When using'the vacuum pump source 55 to -establish the reduced liquid pressure, the valve '21 is closed at the ejector 25. In some cases, the ejector maybe eliminated entirely. The liquid trap -59 is provided to keep the check :valvefit under a liquid seal.

.In Figure 1, the water which fiows through the ejector 25 is discharged into a drain, and in order to prevent the wasteof this water, I provide-for piping it in the boiler. This arrangement is shown in Figure 2. Therefore, in- Figure-2,'the liquid upon flowing from the city supply pipe =20 flows through a valve 64, an ejector 63, and a pipe t-othe top of the boiler. The boiler may be charged directly with water through -a pipe 66 controlled by a valve '67. The operation of the system, shown in Figure 2' is the sameas that forFigure 1, except that the liquid which flows through the ejector is caused to flow into the boiler instead of into the sewer, andexcept that a steam pressure regulator 68 is employed to control the valve 39.

With my heating fluid system, the investment is utilized the year around, that is, in the summer time as well as in the winter. In the summer time the liquid inthe boileris heated below the boiling point thereof in which case no steam is delivered to the radiators, but the temperature of the liquid in the boiler is suflicient to heat the .city or supply water forhot water service.

Thus .in the summer time, the temperature of the liquid in the boiler may be in the neighborhood of .200 F. at the liquid level; 185 F. at pipe 38; 175 F. at pipe 37; and 165 F. at pipe 36. The

moderate heating of the boilerin the summer time also prevents the outer surface of the boiler from sweating which prevents rusting. In my system, the circulation of the fluid in the'con- .tinuous liquid circuit may be increased by mountingithe heat exchange device higher'above'the boiler, as the degree of reduced liquid pressure is primarily determined by theelevation of the heat exchange device.

:In-Figure 3, I show a modified arrangementtof my 'heat exchange system, while maintaining'gthe :samegeneral principle as that described-in Figure 1. In-Figure ,3 th sediment collecting adevicehas been incorporated in conjunction with the heat exchange device. In :this embodiment, the heat exchange device indicated by therefer- .encecharacter II is mounted in a vertical ;position and is provided along the side thereof near its top with a sediment collecting deflect-18 Which hasta common'wall I00 with the heat exchange .dev-ice. 'Ihe-heat-exchange device II mayalso bermounted in a horizontal position with the sediment'rcollecting device 98 positioned underncath. ."Iihe liquid from the boiler 10 flows 11pwardly through thesupply conduit 9! to apoint substantially intermediate the sediment collecting devlce andthence upwardly through anenlarged extension 99 and finally through an open- .ing *IrIlI in the common wall I 00 into the heat exchange device. The sediment in the fluid is allowedntozsettle in-an enlarged downward extension I104, land may be removed therefrom through a suction pipe I05 controlled by avalve I06 thatleads to an ejector 8|. The particles which-settle. inthe lowermost portion I04 of the sediment -.,collecting device 98 may be removed underxreduced pressure through the pipe I05, the valve I- II 6,-r.the ejector BI, and the drain pipe 84 into :asuitable drain. In the event that the par- .ticlesibecomecaked'a plug I01 may be removed :andwthe.:operatorwmay then take a wire or other suitable .device and loosen up the sediment particles. 'Theupper portion 99 of the casing I02 01 .the heat exchange device II is connected in communication with the-ejector BI by means of a ,pipe 85-'control1ed:by a valve 86, so that the liquid in thesystem may be lifted from the boiler 10 through ,thesupplyand return conduits 91 and I03 byproducing the establishment of rarifyinguair in the uppermost part of the continu- .Ous liquid pressure until the heat exchange device is filled with liquid, after which time the valve- 85 maybe closed to maintain the reduced liquid -;pr essure. Thecity water which is being heated flows through the supply pipe 12, the right-hand header portion of the heat exchange device,.the.coil .pipes '13, and thence out of the hotwater heat through the pipe I4 controlled by .a valve 15 where it is distributed for domestic .or other purposes. The ejector BI is set in operation by opening a valve 82 which allows city orta-p water to fiow through-a pipe 83, the ejec- 1101";8 I ,and the pipe 84 to the drain.

The .boiler I0 may be filled with city or tap water through a pipe I! controlled by a'valve 18. The boiler is filled to its normal level as indicated .bythelinelil. 'Ihe Water upon fiowing from the boiler jmayflow through the three pipes .90, 9|, and =,92:,to the :common supply pipe 91, and thence into thesediment collecting device 98, the heat exchange device 'II and then returns to the boiler throughthe .return pipe I03. The flow of the 'fiuidthrough :the communicating pipe 92is governed .by ;a :regulation valve 93, which is in t rn controlled by means of a chain 94 which ,passespverpulleys 95 and 96 to a thermostat 16 provided On'the Water pipe 14. The operation 1Qf.31 valvev93=andthe flow of the'fiuid through therpipces 39.9 a and s9I ,.-92.are the same as that described with reference to the pipes 36, 31 and ,38.and the control'valve 39 of Figure 1, and is arranged to keep the temperature of the hot water flowing from the coil pipes I3 within the neighborhood of degrees, or any other suitabletemperature.

.In the event that the level of the water in the .boilerishouldz-recede below a pre-determined safe limitrsuchwas 'illustratedby the line 80, I provide for .--replenishlngthe water automatically. In .orderto carry but this, provision, Iemploya pipe I08-which connects the boiler at a point in the region of the danger water level vI39 to the sup- ;ply conduit-191, A liquid trap I09 is provided in ,the pipe I-08- by arranging the lower .end of the pipe -'-;I.- 0,8'-with-.,a U shaped portion. This is to prevent pr marily he 110.17 water at the top Ior the boiler from flowing through the pipe I08 into the supply conduit 91. When the level of the water recedes to or below the danger line III] the pipe permits the destruction of the reduced liquid pressure in the uppermost part of the hot water heater, with the consequence that the water in the hot water heater is allowed to drain into the boiler and replenish same. Under this condition the hot water heater is rendered inoperative and the user of the hot water will be put on notice that the system needs recharging since the water coming through the coil pipes I3 of the hot water heater will be unheated.

In some installations the amount of water in the hot water heater may be insufficient to replenish the boiler, and in this event, as shown in the modified form in Figure 4, a reservoir III] is mounted above the hot water heater to carry additional water to replenish the boiler above the level. In Figure 4, the top part of the hot water heater II is connected in communication to the reservoir IIU by means of a pipe H2. The ejector BI is connected in communication with the upper most part of the reservoir I I by means of a pipe III. The operation of the arrangement shown in Figure 4 is the same as that explained in the operation in Figure 3, except that when the reduced liquid pressure is destroyed the water in the reservoir III), as well as the water in hot water heater II flows or drains into the boiler I to replenish same above the danger line.

In Figure 5, I show an arrangement for utilizing the hot water from the water jacket H5 of a Diesel or other engine having a reciprocating piston Ilii. An object of this invention is to keep the Diesel engine operating within proper temperature limits, while at the same time utilizing the heated fluid for exchange purposes. In Figure 5, the reference character I represents a heat exchange device which may be either a radiator or a hot water heater, as the occasion demands. The water from the cylinder jacket flows through pipes III and H8, and a threeway valve H9 to the heat exchange device I20, and thence through a pipe I2I, to an expansion tank I22. From the expansion tank, the liquid returns through pipes I23 and I24 to the lower part of the cylinder jacket In the event that the fluid or Water returning to the water jacket is too cold, I provide for by-passing the fluid from the heat exchange device and the expansion tank, and re-circulating it through the Water jacket of the engine. To carry out this provision, the three-Way valve I I9 is operated by a thermobulb I21 placed in the return line I 24. The thermo-bulb is connected by means of a tube I to the three-way valve H9 for operating same. When the return water flowing through the pipe I24 is too cold, the valve H9 is operated such that a portion or all of the fluid is by-passed through the pipe I23 controlled by a valve IZQ, and thence down through the return pipes I23 and I24 to the lower part of the cylinder. This by-pass circulation continues until the temperature of the engine maintains its normal operating temperature, at which point the three-way valve functions to permit the heated Water from the engine jacket to flow up through the heat exchange device I20 and the expansion tank I22. In this embodiment of my invention, I utilize an expansion tank with rarefied air in the uppermost portion thereof. The rarefied air is established by means of an ejector I32 supplied with city or tap water from the pipe I3I which, after. flowing through the ejector, drains to the pipe I33 to a sump. The ejector I32 is connected in communication with the expansion tank I22 by means of a pipe I34 controlled by a valve I35, and is set into operation upon opening the water valve I45. The rarefied air in the expanson tank I22 lifts the liquid from the cylinder jacket and fills the heat exchange device I20 and a portion of the expansion tank I22 to a level indicated by the reference character I35. The expansion tank is not filled completely with liquid, as space must be provided for expansion, whereas in boiler arrangement of my system, the space above the liquid level of the boiler constitutes the expansion area for the system. A liquid gauge I42 is provided to show the level of the liquid in the expansion tank I22. This system may be supplied by liquid by opening the valve I38 and allowing the city water to flow through the pipe I31 into the parts of theosystem. The valves I39 and MI are provided to drain the system into the illustrated sump. A mercury gauge M3 may be provided to indicate the reduced liquid pressure in the pipe I23 and a thermometer I44 may be provided to measure the temperature of the water returning to the engine jacket. This arangement regulates the temperature of the engine cooling water within suitable operating limits, while at the same time provides for utilizing the water for heat exchange purposes.

Although I have described my invention with a certain degree of particularity, it is understood that the present disclosure has been made only by way of example and that numerous changes in the details of construction and the combination and arrangement of parts may be resorted to without departing from the spirit and the scope of the invention as hereinafter claimed.

I claim as my invention:

l. A heat exchange system comprising, a liquid container operated with a liquid level below the top of the container, a heat exchange device located above said container, supply and return conduits for connecting said device to said container below the liquid level thereof to effect a continuous liquid circuit, means for heating the liquid in the liquid container, means for producing the establishment of a liquid pressure in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a value lower than the liquid pressure prevailing in the liquid container for maintaining said heat exchange device and said conduits filled with liquid from said container and with the liquid level in the container below the top thereof, and means for holding the liquid in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a liquid pressure under that which prevails in the liquid container, said supply conduit including a sediment collecting device for removing particles and air bubbles from the liquid to extend the length of the operating period before which a re-establishment of the reduced liquid pressure in the heat exchange device is required.

2. A heat exchange system comprising, a liquid container operated with a liquid level below the top of the container, a heat exchange device located above said container, supply and return conduits for connecting said device to said container below the liquid level thereof to effect a continuous liquid circuit, means for heating the liquid in the liquid container, means for producing the establishment of a liquid pressure in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a value lower than the liquid pressure prevailing in the liquid container for maintaining said heat exchange device and said conduits filled with liquid from said container and with the liquid level in the container below the top thereof, and means for holding the liquid in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a, liquid pressure under that which prevails in the liquid container, said supply conduit including a sediment collecting device for removing particles and air bubbles from the liquid to extend the length of the operating period before which a re-establishment of the reduced liquid pressure in the heat exchange device is required, said supply conduit having connection means communicating with the said container at a plurality of elevational places, one of said communicating connection means being located near the bottom of the liquid container where the sediment particles are most apt to collect so as to enable the particles which may collect near the bottom of the container to be carried by the liquid to the sediment collecting device and there eliminated from the circulatory system of the continuous liquid circuit, another said communicating connection means being located at a higher level where the water temperature is higher so as to compensate for the cooler liquid which flows through the bottom communicating connection means.

3. A heat exchange system comprising, a liquid container operated with a liquid level below the top of the container, a heat exchange device located above said container, supply and return conduits for connecting said device to said container below the liquid level thereof to effect a continuous liquid circuit, means for heating the liquid in the liquid container, means for producing the establishment of a liquid pressure in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a value lower than the liquid pressure prevailing in the liquid container for maintaining said heat exchange device and said conduits filled with liquid from said container and with the liquid level in the container below the top thereof, and means for holding the liquid in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a liquid pressure under that which prevails in the liquid container, said supply conduit including a. sediment collecting device for removing particles and air bubbles from the liquid to extend the length of the operating period before which a reestablishment of the reduced liquid pressure in the heat exchange device is required, said supply conduit having connection means communicating with the said container at a plurality of elevational places, one ofsaid communicating connection means being located near the bottom of the liquid container where the sediment particles are most apt to collect so as to enable the particles which may collect near the bottom of the container to be carried by the liquid to the sediment collecting device and there eliminated from the circulatory system of the continuous liquid circuit, another said communicating connection means being located at a higher level where the water temperature is higher so as to compensate for the cooler liquid which flows through the bottom communicating connection means, and means for draining the liquid from the non-circulatory space of the sediment collecting device under a reduced liquid pressure to draw the sediment therefrom.

4. A heat exchangesystem comprising, a liquid container operated with a liquid level. below the top of the container, a, heat exchange devicelocated above said container, supply and return conduits for connecting said device to said con-.

tainer below the liquid level thereof to effect a continuous liquid circuit, means for heating the liquid in the liquid container, means for producing the establishment of a liquid pressure in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a value lower than the liquid pressure prevailing in the liquid container for maintaining said heat exchange device and said conduits filled with liquid from said container and with the liquid level in the container below the top thereof, and means for holding the liquid in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a liquid pressure under that which prevails in the liquid container, said supply conduit including a sediment collecting device for removing particles and air bubbles from the liquid to extend the length of the operating period before which a re-establishment of the reduced liquid pressure in the heat exchange device is required, said supply conduit having connection means communicating with the said container at a plurality of elevational places, one of said communicating connection means being located near the bottom of the liquid container Where the sediment particles are most apt'to collect so as to enable the particles which may collect near the bottom of the container to be carried by the liquid to the sediment collecting device and there eliminated from the circulatory system of the continuous liquid circuit, another said communicating connection means being located at a higher level where the water temperature is higher so as to compensate for the cooler liquid which flows through the bottom communicating connection means, and means for draining the liquid from the non-circulatory space of the sediment collecting device under a reduced liquid pressure to draw the sediment therefrom, valve means for regulating the flow of the fluid through the upper communicating connection means, and means responsive to the temperature of the exchange device for governing the valve means.

5. A heat exchange system comprising, a liquid container, a heat exchange device located above said container, supply and return conduits for connecting said device to said container below the liquid level thereof to effect a continuous liquid circuit, means for heating the liquid in the liquid container, means for producing the establishment of a liquid pressure in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a value lower than the liquid pressure prevailing in the liquid container for maintaining said heat exchange device and said conduits filled with liquid from said container, and means for holding the liquid in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a liquid pressure under that which prevails in the liquid container, and conduit means interconnecting the liquid container and the supply conduit, said conduit means being connected to the liquid container below the normal operating liquid level thereof and substantially at the danger level thereof for destroying the establishment of the reduced liquid pressure in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit when the liquid in the liquid container recedes below the said conduit connection and for causing the liquid in the heat exchange device to drain into the liquid container and replenish same above the said danger level.

6. A heat exchange system supplied by water from a water source comprising, a liquid container, a hot water heater having a first and a second circulatory portion, means for connecting said first circulatory portion to the water,

source to give hot water, supply and return conduits for connecting the said second circulatory portion of the hot water heater to the said liquid container below the liquid level thereof to effect a continuous liquid circuit, means for heating the liquid in the liquid container, means for producing the establishment of a liquid pressure in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a value lower than the liquid pressure prevailing in the liquid container for maintaining the said second circulatory portion of the hotwater heater and said conduits filled with liquid from said container, and means for holding the liquid in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a liquid pressure under that which prevails in the liquid container, said supply conduit including a sediment collecting device for collecting particles from the liquid, said supply conduit communicating with the said second circulatory portion of the hot water heater at the place where the water from the water source enters the first circulatory portion.

7. The method of operating a heat exchange system comprising a continuous liquid circuit including a heat liberating device and a heat generating device partly filled with liquid connected together by a liquid supply conduit and a liquid return conduit, each conduit having its lowermost end immersed in the liquid of the heat generating device, to effect a liquid seal which method comprises, lifting a liquid column in the liquid supply conduit and the liquid return conduit to the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit by producing the establishment of a liquid pressure in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a value lower than the liquid pressure prevailing in the heat generating device, sealing the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit and thereby holding the liquid in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a liquid pressure under that which prevails in the heat generating device, heating the liquid in the heat generating device to cause a circulation through the continuous liquid circuit, so that heat may be liberated from the system as the circulating fluid flows through the heat liberating device, and destroying the establishment of the reduced liquid pressure in th uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit when the liquid in the heat generating device recedes below a predetermined level and for causing the liquid in the heat liberating device to drain in the heat generating device and replenish same.

8. A heat exchange system supplied by water from a water source comprising, a liquid container, a hot water heater having a first and a second circulatory portion, means for connecting said first circulatory portion to the water source to give hot water, supply and return conduits for connecting the said second circulatory portion of the hot water heater to the said liquid container below the liquid level thereof to efiect a continuous liquid circuit, means for heating the liquid in the liquid container, means for producing the establishment of a liquid pressure in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a value lower than the liquid pressure prevailing in the liquid container for maintaining the said second circulatory portion of the hot water heater and said conduits filled with liquid from said container, and means for holding the liquid in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a liquid pressure under that which prevails in the liquid container, sediment collecting means fastened to the hot water heater and connected in fluid circuit relation with the supply conduit, said sediment collecting means and the hot water heater having a common wall with a communicating opening therein .at the uppermost part thereof and at the place where the water from the water source enters the first circulatory portion, said sediment collecting means having a downward extension to provide a non-circulating space for the particles to settle and having an upward extension through which the fluid of the system passes as it flows to the second circulatory portion of the hot water system.

- 9. A heat exchange system supplied by water from a water source comprising, a liquid container, a hot water heater having a first and a second circulatory portion, means for connecting said first circulatory portion to the water source to give hot water, supply and return conduits forconnecting the said second circulatory portion of the hot water heater to the said liquid container below the liquid level thereof to effect a'continuous liquid circuit, means for heating the liquid in the liquid container, means for producing the establishment of a liquid pressure in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a value lower than the liquid pressure prevailing in the liquid container for maintaining the said second circulatory portion of the hot water heater and said conduits filled with liquid from said container, and means for holding the liquid in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a liquid pressure under that which prevails in the liquid container, said supply conduit including a sediment collecting device for collecting particles from the liquid, said supply conduit communicating with the said second circulatory portion of the hot water heater at the place where the water from the water source enters the first circulatory portion, said supply conduit having connection means communicating with the said container at a plurality of elevational places, one of said communicating connection means being located near the bottom of the liquid container where the sediment particles are most apt to collect so as to enable the particles which may collect near the bottom of the container to be carried by the liquid to the sediment collecting device and there eliminated from the circulatory system of the continuous liquid circuit, another said communicating connection means being located at a higher level where the water temperature is higher so as to compensate for the cooler liquid which flows through the bottom communicating connection means.

10. A heat exchange system supplied by water from a water source comprising, a liquid container, arhot water heater having a first and a second circulatory portion, means for connecting said first circulatory portion to the water source to give hot water, supply and return conduits for connecting the said second circulatory portion of the hot water heater to the said liquid container below the liquid level thereof to effect a continuous liquid circuit, means for heating the liquid in the liquid container, means for producing the establishment of a liquid pressure in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a value lower than the liquid pressure prevailing in the liquid container for maintaining the said second circulatory portion of the hot water heater and the said conduits filled with liquid from said container, and means for holding the liquid in the uppermost part of the continuous:

liquid circuit at a liquid pressure under that which prevails in the liquid container, said supply conduit including a sediment collecting device for collecting particles from the liquid, said supply conduit communicating with the said second circulatory portion of the hot water heater at the place where the water from the Water source enters the first circulatory portion, said supply conduit having connection means communicating with the said container at a plurality of elevationalplaces, one of said communicating connection means being located near the bottom of the liquid container where the sediment particles are most apt to collect so as to enable the particles which may collect near the bottom of the container to be carried by the liquid to the sediment collecting device and there eliminated from the circulatory system of the continuous liquid circuit, another said communicating connection means being located at a higher level where the water temperature is higher so as to compensate for the cooler liquid which flows through the bottom communicating connection means, and valve means for regulating the flow of the fluid through the upper communicating connection means.

11. A heat exchange system supplied by water from a water source comprising, a liquid container, a hot water heater having a first and a second circulatory portion, means for connecting said first circulatory portion to the Water source to give hot water, supply and return conduits for connecting the said second circulatory portion of the hot water heater to the said liquid container below the liquid level thereof to effect a continuous liquid circuit, means for heating the liquid in the liquid container, means for-producing the establishment of a liquid pressure in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a value lower than the liquid pressure prevailing in the liquid container for maintaining the said second circulatory portion of the hot water heater and said conduits filled with liquid from said container, and means for holding the liquid in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a liquid pressure under that which prevails in the liquid container, said supply conduit including a sediment collecting device for collecting particles from the liquid, said supply conduit communicating with the said second circulatory portion of the hot water heater at the place where the water from the Water source enters the first circulatory portion, said supply conduit having connection means communicating with the said container at a plurality of elevational places, one of said communicating connection means being located near the bottom of the liquid container where the sediment particles are most apt to collect so as to enable the particles which may collect near the bottom of the container to be carried by the liquid to the sediment collecting device and there eliminated from the circulatory system of the continuous liquid circuit, another said communicating connection means being located at a higher level where the water temperature is higher so as to compensate for the cooler liquid which flows through the bottom communicating connection means, valve means for regulating the flow of the fluid through the upper communicating con nection means, and means responsive to the temperature of the heat exchange device for governing the valve means.

12. A heat exchange system supplied by water from a water source comprising, aliquid container, a. hot water heater having a first and a second circulatory portion, means for connecting said first circulatory portion to the water source to give hot water, supply and return conduits for connecting the said second circulatory portion of the hot water heater to the said liquid container below the liquid level thereof to efiect a continuous liquid circuit, means for heating the liquid'in the liquid container, means for producing the establishment of a liquid pressure in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit' at a value lower than the liquid pressure prevailing in the liquid container for maintaining the said second circulatory portion of the hot water heater and said conduits filled with liquid from said container, and means for holding the liquid in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a liquid pressure under that which prevails in the liquid container, said supply conduit including a sediment collecting device for collecting particles from the liquid, said supply conduit communicating with the said second circulatory portion of the hot water heater at the place where the water from the water source enters the first circulatory portion, said supply conduit having connection means communicating with the said container at a place near the bottom of the liquid container where the sediment particles are most apt to collect so as to enable the particles which may collect near the bottom of the container to be carried by the liquid to the sediment collecting device and there eliminated from the circulatory system of the continuous liquid circuit, said sediment collecting device having a downward extension to provide a non-circulating space for the particles to settle and having an enlarged cross-sectional area to slow down the flow of the liquid and cause the particles to settle in the said downward extension, said sediment collecting device also having an enlarged upward extension through which the fluid passes as it flows to the heat exchange device.

13. A heat exchange system supplied by water from a water source comprising, a liquid container, a hot water heater having a first and a second circulatory portion, means for connecting said first circulatory portion to the water source to give hot water, supply and return conduits for connecting the said second circulatory por tion of the hot water heater to the said liquid container below the liquid level thereof to effect a continuous liquid circuit, means for heating the liquid in the liquid container, means for producing the establishment of a liquid pressure in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a value lower than the liquid pressure prevailing in the liquid container for maintaining the said second circulatory portion of the hot water heater and said conduits filled with liquid from said container, and means for holding the liquid in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a liquid pressure under that which prevails in the liquid container, said supply conduit including a sediment collecting device for collecting particles from the liquid, said supply conduit communicating with the said second circulatory portion of the hot water heater at the place where the water from the water source enters the first circulatory portion, said supply conduit having connection means communicating with the said container at a place near the bottom of the liquid contai-ner where the sediment particles are most apt to collect so as to enable the particles which may collect near the bottom of the container to be carried by the liquid to the sediment collecting device and there eliminated from the circulatory system of the continuous liquid circuit, said return conduit having one of its ends in communicating connection with the heat exchange device at a distance away from the place where the water from the Water source enters the first circulatory portion and having its other end in communicating connection with the lowermost portion of the liquid container at a place opposite the liquid container to which the supply conduit is connected.

14. A heat exchange system supplied by Water from a water source comprising, a liquid container, a hot water heater having a first and a second circulatory portion, means for connecting said first circulatory portion to the water source to give hot water, supply and return conduits for connecting the said second circulatory portion of the hot Water heater to the said liquid container below the liquid level thereof to effect a continuous liquid circuit, means for heating the liquid in the liquid container, means for producing the establishment of a liquid pressure in the uppermost part oi the continuous liquid circuit at a value lower than the liquid pressure prevailing in the liquid container for maintaining the said second circulatory portion of the hot water heater and said conduits filled with liquid from said container, and means for holding the liquid in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a liquid pressure under that which prevails in, the liquid container, said supply conduit including a sediment collecting device for collecting particles from the liquid, said supply conduit communicating with the said second circulatory portion of the hot water heater at the place Where the water from the water source enters the first circulatory portion, said supply conduit having connection means communicating with the said container at a place near the bottom of the liquid container where the sediment particles are most apt to collect so as to enable the particles which may collect near the bottom of the container to be carried by the liquid to the sediment collecting device and there eliminated from the circulatory system of the continuous liquid circuit, said return conduit having one of its ends in communicating connection with the heat exchange device at a distance away from the place where the water from the water source enters the first circulatory portion and having its other end in communicating connection with the lowermost portion of the liquid container at aplace opposite the liquid container to which the supply conduit is connected, said return conduit having a portion thereof at lower level than its cornmunicating connection to the liquid container.

15. A heat exchange system supplied by water from a water source comprising, a liquid container, a hot water heater having a first and a second circulatory portion, means for connecting said first circulatory portion to the water source to give hot water, supply and return conduits for connecting the said second circulatory portion of the hot water heater to the said liquid container below the liquid level thereof to effect a continuous liquid circuit, means for heating the liquid in the liquid container, means for producing the establishment of a liquid pressure in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a value lower than the liquid pressure prevailing in the liquid container for maintaining the said second circulatory portion of the hot water heater and said conduits filled with liquid from said container, and means for holding the liquid in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a liquid pressure under that which prevails in the liquid container, said supply conduit including a sediment collecting device for collecting particles from the liquid, said supply conduit communicating with the said second circulatory portion of the hot water heater at the place where the water from the water source enters the first circulatory portion, and means for connecting the upper portion of the sediment collecting device in communication with the liquid container at a place above the level of the liquid therein.

16. In a heat exchange system, in combination, a liquid container, means for heating the liquid in the liquid container, a heat exchange device, supply and return conduits for connecting said heat exchange device to said liquid container below the level of the liquid in the liquid container to effect a continuous liquid circuit, a sediment collecting device in said continuous liquid circuit between said liquid container and said heat exchange device, means connected to said sediment collecting device and arranged to facilitate the withdrawal of the sediment collected by said device, and conduit means connected to said sediment collecting device and to the liquid container above the liquid level enabling the air to continuously escape from said continuous liquid circuit.

17. In a heat exchange system, in combination, a liquid container, means for heating the liquid in the liquid container, a heat exchange device, supply and return conduits for connecting said heat exchange device to said liquid container below the level of the liquid in the liquid container to effect a continuous liquid circuit, a sediment collecting device in said continuous liquid circuit between said liquid container and said heat exchange device, means connected to said sediment collecting device for facilitating the removal of the sediment collected by said device and means comprising an ejector connected to said heat exchange device for removing air from said heat exchange device and from said continuous liquid circuit.

18. In a heat exchange system, in combination, a liquid container, means for heating the liquid in the container, a heat exchange device, supply and return conduits for connecting said heat exchange device to said container below the level of the liquid in said container to effect a continuous liquid circuit, a mud eliminator having a top portion and a bottom'portion in said continuous liquid circuit, a first conduit from said liquid container connected to said mud eliminator between the bottom portion and the top portion, a second conduit from said mud eliminator to said heat exchange device connected to said mud eliminator between said first conduit and the said top portion of the mud eliminator and an ejector connected to the top of said heat exchange device whereby the air which enters the said mud eliminator and is separated from the mud and passes into the heat exchange device may be ejected from the system by the ejector.

19. In a heat exchange system, in combination, a liquid container, means for heating the liquid in the container, a heat exchange device, supply and return conduits for connecting said heat exchange device to said container below the level of the liquid in said cont iner to effect a continuous liquid circuit, means for causing said liquid to circulate, a mud eliminator in said circuit adapted to catch and eliminate sediment from said circuit, and means connected to said mud eliminator for eliminating air bubbles from said liquid circuit.

28. A heat exchange system comprising, a liquid container, a heat exchange device located above said container, supply and return conduits for connecting said device to said container below the liquid level thereof to effect a continuous liquid circuit, means for heating the liquid in the liquid container, means for producing the establishment of a liquid pressure in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a valve lower than the liquid pressure prevailing in the liquid container, means for holding the liquid in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a liquid pressure under that which prevails in the liquid container, and sediment collecting means in said continuous liquid circuit for eliminating sediment and air from the liquid circuit to prevent the destruction of said pressure differential in said system.

21. A heat exchange system comprising, a liquid container, 2. heat exchange device located above said container, supply and return conduits for connecting said device to said container below the liquid level thereof to effect a continuous liquid circuit, means for heating the liquid in the liquid container, means including pressure reduction chamber means establishing a liquid pressure in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a value lower than a the liquid pressure prevailing in the liquid container, means for holding the liquid in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a liquid pressure under that which prevails in the liquid container, and means for eliminating I sediment particles and air bubbles from said continuous liquid circuit which comprise a velocity reduction chamber and the pressure reduction chamber, said velocity reduction chamber causing the sediment particles which are not buoyed up by air bubbles to sink to a position where they can be eliminated from the liquid circuit, and said pressure reduction chamber causing the air bubbles which buoy up the sediment particles to be separated from said sediment particles thereby causing the sinking of the particles, and said pressure reduction chamber together with said means for establishing said pressure reduction also causin the elimination of the air bubbles which are separated from the sediment particles by removing a substantial amount of said air bubbles from said liquid circuit,

22. The method of removing sediment, sediment buoyed up by gas, and gas from a liquid comprising, establishing a liquid circuit, circulating said liquid in said circuit, reducing the velocity of the fluid in a certain portion of the circuit at a value substantially lower than the velocity in the remainder of the circuit to cause sediment to settle, continuously establishing a reduced liquid pressure in anothercertain portion of the circuit at a value substantially lower than the pressure in the remainder of the circuit to cause gas bubbles which cling to the sediment particles to separate from said particles thereby removing the buoyant effect of the said bubbles carrying the particles, eliminating said settled sediment from said circuit at said area 75 of decreased velocity and eliminating said gas bubbles from said circuit.

23. A heat exchange system comprising, a liquid container, a heat exchange device located above said container, supply and return conduits for connecting said device to said container below the liquid level thereof to eiiect a continuous liquid circuit, means for heating the liquid in the liquid container, means including pressure reduction chamber means establishing a liquid pressure in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a value lower than the liquid pressure prevailing in the liquid container, means for holding the liquid in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a liquid pressure under that which prevails in the liquid container, sediment collecting means in said continuous liquid circuit for eliminating sediment and air from the liquid circuit to prevent the destruction or" said pressure diiTerential in said system, said sediment collecting means comprising velocity reduction chamber means for collecting sediment, means for ejecting said sediment, said pressure reduction chamber means receiving gas from said sediment particles, and means for removing said gas from said chamber.

24. A heat exchange system comprising, a liquid container, a heat exchange device located above said container, supply and return conduits for connecting said device to said container below the liquid level thereof to effect a continuous liquid circuit, means for heating the liquid in the liquid container, means including pressure reduction chamber means establishing a liquid pressure in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a value lower than the liquid pressure prevailing in the liquid container, means for holding the liquid in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a liquid pressure under that which prevails in the liquid container, sediment collecting means in said continuous liquid circuit for eliminating sediment and air from the liquid circuit to prevent the destruction of said pressure differential in said system, said sediment collecting means comprising a velocity reduction chamber located above said liquid container where the pressure is less than in said liquid container, thereby establishing a stilling basin to catch sediment and a pressure reduction chamber to separate air and gas from said sediment.

25. The method of removing sediment, sediment buoyed up by gas, and gas from a heating system comprising a boiler and a heat exchange unit located above said boiler, said method comrising establishing a liquid circuit between said boiler and said heat exchange unit, circulating said liquid in said circuit, reducing the velocity of the fluid in a certain portion of the circuit at a value substantially lower than the velocity in the remainder of the circuit to cause sediment to settle, providing a reduced liquid pressure in the uppermost portion of the circuit at a value substantially lower than the pressure in th remainder of the circuit to cause gas bubbles which cling to the sediment particles to separate from said particles thereby removing the buoyant effect of the said bubbles carrying the particles, eliminating said settled sediment from said circuit at said area of decreased velocity and eliminating said gas bubbles from said uppermost portion of the circuit.

26. A heat exchange system comprising, a liquid container, a heat exchange device located above said container, supply and return conduits for connecting said device to said container below the liquid level thereof to efiect a continuous liquid circuit, means for heating the liquid in the liquid container, means for establishing a liquid pressure in the uppermost part of the circuit at a value lower than the pressure value of the liquid in the lowermost part of the circuit, and means in said circuit for eliminating sediment particles and means in said circuit for eliminating air particles.

27. The method of operating a heating system comprising a boiler and a heat exchange device located above said boiler and connected therewith at diiierent levels, which method comprises: maintaining a liquid level in boiler at a point above the upper connection of the boiler with said heater exchange device and below the top of the boiler, maintaining said heat exchange device and its connections with the boiler filled with said liquid, heating the liquid in the boiler to a temperature below the boiling point thereof at atmospheric pressure while maintaining the pressure on the liquid in the boiler at or below atmospherio pressure to cause said liquid to circulate through said system, reducing the velocity of the liquid circulating in said system to collect sediment, removing said sediment from said system, and removing air from the upper part of said system.

28. The method of operating a heat exchange system comprising a continuous liquid circuit including a heat liberating device and a heat generating device partly filled with liquid connected together by a liquid supply conduit and a liquid return conduit, each conduit having its lowermost end immersed in the liquid of the heat generating device, to effect a liquid seal which method comprises, lifting a liquid column in the liquid supply conduit and the liquid return conduit to the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit by producing a rarification of the air and the establishment of a liquid pressure in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a value lower than the liquid pressure prevailing in the heat generating device, sealing the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit and thereby holding the liquid in the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a liquid pressure under that which prevails in the heat generating device, heating the liquid in the heat generating device to cause a circulation through the continuous liquid circuit, so that heat may be liberated from the system as the circulating fluid flows through the heat liberating device and maintaining said reduced liquid pressure in the uppermost part of the said continuous liquid circuit by removing air and sediment from the circulatory portion of said system.

29. The method of operating a heat exchange system comprising a continuous liquid circuit including a heat generating device and a heat liberating device located at a higher level than the heat generating device, which method comprises: maintaining a liquid in the continuous liquid circuit by removing air from, and producing the establishment of a liquid pressure in, the uppermost part of the continuous liquid circuit at a value lower than the liquid pressure prevailing in the heat generating device, heating the liquid in the heat generating device to a temperature below the boiling point thereof at atmospheric pressure while maintaining the pressure on the liquid in the heat generating device at or below atmospheric pressure and maintaining said reduced liquid pressure in said continuous liquid circuit by removing air and sediment from the circulatory portion of said system.

HARRY M. NOBIS. 

